Database Update: Pharmaceutical Drug Import to Russia (February 2019)

Monday, April 15, 2019

Between January and February 2019, Russia imported 75.5 bln RUB worth of ready-made pharmaceutical drugs (free circulation prices), which is 4.9% higher than that of the same period in 2018, and 17.6 bln RUB worth of in-bulk drugs, which is 26.0% higher than that of the same period in 2018. The total dynamics in monetary terms are +8.3%.
The dynamics of the import of ready-made drugs in physical terms are -11.0% (250.6 mln units), or -7.2%, if calculated in minimum dosage units (MDU.) The dynamics of the in-bulk import are -40.2% (493.3 mln MDUs.) This is partially due to the shorter product line, which has lost 22 trademarks, making it 92.

Among the top 20 companies with the biggest import volume of ready-made drugs in monetary terms, Alexion has the highest dynamics (a 2.3 times increase.) Between January and February, it was importing Soliris and Asfotase Alpha (Strensiq) to Russia. Since the latter is yet to be registered in Russia, it is imported only for certain patients with a rare disease called hypophosphatasia for the maintenance of their vital functions. KRKA and Abbott have the lowest dynamics among the top companies, around -33%.

Among the top companies importing in-bulk drugs, Biogen (Germany) is noteworthy. Between January and February 2019, it was importing only Tizabri, but managed to climb to No.5 in the ranking of in-bulk importers. The company’s imports are irregular, with the last comparable import dating November 2018. Insulin producer Novo Nordisk has the lowest dynamics (-49%), which is due to the import of NovoRapid.

Dynamics of import of pharmaceuticals, including homeopathic and seawater drugs, to Russia, free circulation prices including customs clearance and VAT, RUB (January 2018 – February 2019)